Six decorative ways to display pumpkins

There's no carving required of these ideas for decorating with pumpkins, gourds and squashes.

There's no carving required of these ideas for decorating with pumpkins, gourds and squashes.

There's no carving required of these ideas for decorating with pumpkins, gourds and squashes.

Kent Harrison, Special to the U-T

Even in our tech-centered world, the fruits of autumn harvests — pumpkins, gourds and squashes — evoke the fun of trick-or-treating, autumn leaves and crisp days. But for many, pumpkin carving can seem like a lot of work that results in an unpleasant mess. However, it’s easy to decorate the season without the sticky slime and time involved with pumpkin carving.

Here are six simple, no-mess, no-fuss but colorful ideas for enjoying these beautiful and varied fruits of the fall season:

Pumpkins on a pedestal: Compotes, candlesticks and cake stands can be put to use as pedestals for pumpkins of all sizes, colors and shapes for table centerpieces. Open your cupboards and pull out anything with a stand that will support a pumpkin. Candlesticks will need to be large enough for pillar candles, of course. And those with metal stakes are even better — just push the pumpkin down over it. Cake plates and compotes are quick and easy to use. Fill each with an appropriately sized single pumpkin. This idea works great for fireplace mantles, too.

Outdoor pot fillers: There’s no need to replant container gardens; any outdoor planter or pot can be transformed into an autumn planter by adding pumpkins and gourds. If you’ve got just a little room around the edges, tuck mini-pumpkins or small, colorful gourds all around the rim. For mixed planters, tuck in whatever size and color pumpkins you can to just fill the holes.

Create a pumpkin stack: These are especially striking for ornate metal or concrete urns. Choose four or five pumpkins in descending sizes and simply stack them one on top of the other, with the smallest on top. Remove the stems from all but the top one, making sure they’re balanced well and won’t tip. (Flat, deep orange or white ones work best). You’ve created an instant, colorful topiary.

A welcome greeting: Choose a pumpkin for every word of welcome you’d like to greet visitors with. Place the pumpkins in a row on your porch, on a balcony, on steps or on a railing. Then, using a black permanent marker or paintbrush and your best writing, spell out your message, such as “Happy Halloween,” “Boo to You” or “Have a Scary Day.”

Pumpkins in pots: Choose simple terra-cotta pots in various sizes or fall-toned glazed ones. Then, perch a single pumpkin in the top of each. Use these “potted pumpkins” as front step, porch, windowsill or table centerpiece décor. Complete the scene by scattering colorful fall leaves all around the pots.

Pumpkin in glass: Assemble a group of your largest clear glass vases, candleholders and cloches. Group them on an entryway table, your dining table or a mantel in an artful way. Fill them up with small pumpkins, gourds and squashes of all shapes and colors. Make sure none of the squash are damaged, or they might mold. Your chic display will set a festive fall tone and will last for many weeks.